HONDA CRF 300L SUSPENSION UPGRADE OPTIONS

[@graemethorne4967]

Quite amazing what a skilled suspension technician can do with std suspension by changing springs, valving and a longer rear clevice at rear etc for my 195 cm and 110 kg My man at MX suspension in Chiang Mai Thailand has utterly transformed my CRF 300 L

[@drd3816]

I live in CM and bought a 250 Rally that got suspension work done there. He did not know what they had done but i think you just summed up the job they did on the bike because i see the longer rear clevice and their sticker on the bike. The suspension works great.

[@gordonblackley8863]

Racetech’s gold valves quality was so bad I sent them back and bought KTech instead, which are superb!!! Matched with KTech spring and Hyperpro rear shock on my 250 Rally, absolutely superb set up, I’m an ex-enduro and Mx racer and happily kept up with racer friends on their enduro bikes when trail riding at pace 😉

[@Michael_Mears]

For our two 300 Rallys, we need to sort out the rear suspension (aka bag of wet laundry), not so much for competition, but for general dirt riding, and the YSS MZ456 is available here in Australia, so I'll go that way, in the 95-115kg range. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

[@DirtnTrail]

Thanks for sharing your info too for those in Oz, very useful 👍

[@NigelGriff]

Let me know who it goes, considering the same myself.

[@MotoSly]

how did it go?

[@Michael_Mears]

@@MotoSly My wife seems to like her bike as it is, and I've sort of come to live with it for now, at least when carrying no extra gear. We did buy and fit lower crash bars, a rack, radiator guard and rear brake salve cylinder guard from Bikerz Bits for both bikes, and bought new batteries because the originals ones didn't last very long. That's about it. We had spent much of that time since this video went up heavily restricted by government in what we could do, including the reason for travel and distance traveled from home. Then we were under house arrest for about three months because we didn't get the jab. There didn't seem to be much point in dropping the coin on new suspension when we weren't going to get much use out of it (at that time). And money got tight, so priorities change. I think we might be changing tyres before changing shocks. No progress made in the suspension department, I regret to report, and it's now lower down on the list of bike stuff to get than before. Still, there's plenty of fun to be had on the stock bike. I'll keep dreaming of better suspension...one day. ;-)

[@bartoszpajak2285]

I've purchased a K-Tech shock from Brook and I'm very satisfied with its performance. Together with the YSS fork spring kit and thicker oil upfront it works pretty good for me (6"1, 90kg).

[@DirtnTrail]

Thanks for the feedback 👍

[@leeinwis]

198.41 lbs for normal people .

[@marcochavane3124]

Rally Raid has my attention. The stage 2 rear shock paired with fully adjustable cartridges up front as well as the price and including all necessary tools is a winning combination.

[@DirtnTrail]

Yep agreed, would become a go anywhere do anything bike, capably. Let us know if you take the plunge!

[@Viaticboston]

Good, comprehensive guide. Thank you. Just had my 250l stolen so I think I’ll invest in the 300 as a replacement. Good to see there’s already upgrades available.

[@DoodMang7]

Thats horrible to hear man, I absolutely hate thieves. I think they should have a finger cut off if they are caught lol. Anyways did you get you a 300l? Curious to how the compare other than power?

[@Viaticboston]

@@DoodMang7 ha chop them into little pieces! Nah mate. I just replaced it with a 250l as they’re mint. Had 1st ride on it today and loved it again

[@DoodMang7]

@@Viaticboston Awesome have fun 🤘🤘🤘

[@RedC63AMG]

This video is extremely helpful, thank you for taking the time to make it! Looking at a rally version here in the US today but I'm concerned about the fewer upgrade options compared to the 300L

[@tekesters]

the upgrades should be cross compatible

[@keesverhagen9227]

Thank you.👍 Will be buying the Rally 300. Normally i ride big bikes. Like KTM1190R. But this time for my very large trip to Mongolia i will be doing it on a light bike. I have done more very big trips in the past. Also on a XT660Z. A lot can go wrong and although i have always been lucky cause of meeting some fellow rider and we both decided to do some part of our trip together. Just for safety. But 90 percent of the time you are on your own and in the middle of knowhere. I feel that a lighter bike will be much safer. Although you always have to bring a lot of luggage. Not really sure about that i can carry the things that i really need. But i will figure that out when i finally own one. I actually made a list about the L and the Rally version. But the bigger tank finally made me decide for the Rally version. In the past i have used the Hyperpro shocks. When i bought my XT660Z Tenere the shock replacement was the first thing that i did. And man, i got a completely different bike. The handling became so much better. The Hyperpro blew me away. And also the advice they did gave me was absolutely great. In total i refitted 3 times my springs with Hyperpro and they never let me down. And beleive me, they got beaten up. There was one trip that i could simply not have done with the original springs from Yamaha. The other trips i could have but barely. So for all of you who are thinking about changing the original springs and are not really sure. I can assure you that with Hyperpro you can not go wrong. And expeccially when you are going to do that great and big adventure ride. The one in a lifetime thing. Please give out the extra cash and do it because you will be so greatfull when riding becomes more technicall. And it is not only a comfort thing but actually it is also about your safety. With the original springs the chance of crashing is much higher. It will bottom out. It will get blazing hot so the risc of a shock failure is much higher. And that can ruin your trip or you have to wait a couple of weeks before a new spring arrives. I have seen that with fellow adventure riders. And all of them were cursing at themselfs why they did not had done that while at home. And sure it is a lot of money but such large trips are also not cheap and it is much better to be safe then sorry. Becoming tired is your enemy number one because riding technical costs lots of energy. And that shock upgrade has an incredible big positive effect one your overal riding.👍

[@DirtnTrail]

Thank you for sharing some great info 👍

[@MandM745]

Thanks for going over suspension upgrades. Hopefully will have my 300l soon in the USA. Most likely will be upgrading the suspension as well.

[@MrEunuch]

Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to seeing what you go for and what the results are like based on your intended use.

[@onthepegs]

Thx for the research and video! One more for you: wilbers from Germany.

[@c-note4146]

“Won’t come as a shock to anyone...” good one! 😂😂

[@DirtnTrail]

Similar sense of humour! Didn't even realise I did it either until Andy told me😂

[@cyclerider5652]

Every time I research CRF300L suspension upgrades, I become mentally exhausted, give up and keep it stock.

[@Matt-xi8zr]

Best comment

[@cyclerider5652]

@@Matt-xi8zrI finally figured it out and couldn't be happier with my suspension today. I went with a 15% firmer K-Tech fork spring and the K-Tech Razor Lite shock. Only cost around 700 dollars for the parts and was pretty easy to do. I made a bunch of videos about it including installation videos. I love the way it turned out!

[@Matt-xi8zr]

@@cyclerider5652 Hey thanks! I’ll check out your videos. I got my 300 rally less than a week ago. The soft springs are already a bit of a problem.

[@cyclerider5652]

@@Matt-xi8zr You're welcome. This is what I did. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJvEc5h5n9eDeas It worked out great. I also have installation videos. The shock is simple to install (two bolts). I didn't change the fork oil since the bike was new, so it was pretty easy to do the fork as well. Only one fork leg has a spring. The other side is for the dampening which I didn't touch. If you pull out the old fork spring really slow, you won't lose any oil. It's really thin oil and drips right off. The dampening function is in the other fork leg anyway. No more hard bottoming and the difference in overall handling is absolutely amazing.

[@1966johnnywayne]

"There's been lot's of talk about the 300's suspension...which will not be a shock to anyone" Hmmph! Funny guy.

[@simon7123]

I updated my 300L with Yss and spring from Firefox and front spring with 15 wight oil it works well I am 78 k it seems to work well

[@DirtnTrail]

Thanks for the feedback. Hope it serves you well 👍

[@jonhill329]

You say Brooks ships worldwide, but disallows Philippines access to their website? I wonder why? I would love a YSS shock for my 250L....OMG the OE suspension is atrocious. Anywho....thanks for the info guys. :)

[@dumptrump3788]

Are there any 2nd hand options off another bike, like an old dirt or road bike? As an example, I had an old GS500F & that had limp noodles for springs. The forks needed new springs; but for the rear I simply swaped in an old R6 shock. It was cheap ($100 delivered) & an amazing improvement! Is there a suitable donor for the CRF300?

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

This could use an update. Good review for the date produced.

[@clarenceclark8592]

Drz650 front springs fit an work great

[@user-se7vt5ow4e]

I went with the YSS shock and must say it is very disappointing. It works well when cool but fades badly as it heats up. If you mainly trail ride I would recommend against this shock. I also bought the YSS open cartridge fork kit. They don’t tell you that if you install the kit your warranty is void. Also the special tools needed for installation are not included and the installation instructions are incomplete.

[@defector1643]

Great how to! Are you upgrading the forks at all? Would love to see how to upgrade forks as well. Does this shock feature comp/rebound adjustment? Is there a fork upgrade that feature adjustment? Cheers 👌

[@DirtnTrail]

We're currently looking into fork upgrade options, there are a few and will post when we have updates. Yes there is fully adjustable options (k-tech for example). Shock has single adjustment for comp and rebound together. You can have separate adj but add on about £400 for it👍

[@defector1643]

@@DirtnTrail sweet! Holy crap yeah nah adjustment together is fine for me then hahah. Looking forward to the vid

[@Fabius998]

Great vid guys, thanks for sharing!! I'm not aiming for some "competition setup" but i'd like to travel all over Europe especially on the TET, what's your advice for a 65kg person? Are there some low cost mods or should i go on foot? ahah

[@Antizou]

Hi @Fabius998 would be interested to have your feedback as like you I use my 300 L to ride the TET in Europe and weight 66 kg Thanks !

[@samtheman1287]

Nice video! bookmarked, i have a 300 rally on order... My plan is to have a wannabe adventure bike unicorn. I dont mind putting a little bit extra doe for an adjustable suspension. what setup would you reccomend me ?

[@DirtnTrail]

Look at the video thinking about what and where you're riding, ability and how much you'll be pushing the bike, and your budget!

[@tp8150]

Thank you, very useful list

[@ianandrews4518]

Hello Sir , thanks for you're advice. Choosing between this and a KTM 390 . I'm a 99 kg old bloke so I won't be sending it but will give it some beans where possible. The Honda is more appealing aa a true dual sport and its reliability however the KTM has a bit more power . Difficult choice hey?

[@DirtnTrail]

We looked at the 390. At 6ft I'm glad I looked at one in person before buying. Definitely too small for me.

[@mt1885]

Helpful SPRINGING information - how does this bike shift (is it fairly slick)?

[@DirtnTrail]

Not quite sure what you mean?!

[@jorgen.6395]

Great video! Where did you buy the frame protection? Thanks!

[@DirtnTrail]

Core Grip 👍

[@0HARE]

Solid information. Thanks.

[@markio2010]

New crf300l+upgraded suspension and front forks or used drz400....I'm 210lbs...98kg?

[@rider7806]

Great info mate. Thanks for showing. :)

[@Kashmirwithlove]

Steer clear of Nitron. The shock is severely under dampened and the adjustment favours the rebound 10:1. Also the Customer service is terrible. I am currently trying to return my R1.

[@allthethings6826]

This is my question ☝️ Drz400 with a lectron carburetor? Or, CRF300 with upgraded suspension? What would you buy?

[@DirtnTrail]

Look at what you ride and which bike is most suited to it. There's your answer 👍

[@allthethings6826]

@@DirtnTrail never owned an of road bike is my individual predicament. That is good advice though. Would being 6’4” be enough of a reason to buy a drz400 over the smaller, shorter saddle 300? Cause I’m not really sure what I’ll be riding honestly.

[@DirtnTrail]

If you're upgrading the suspension you can specify a longer shock to make it taller. Advantages of the 300.. 2 year warranty New so shouldn't go wrong. Huge service intervals. Excellent bike to learn on and light compared. Drz is faster, possibly more capable if riding only off-road, cheaper.

[@jimbo4203]

@@allthethings6826 a taller seat really helped out my brother in law, he's 6'4 "

[@lukefish7562]

Thanks! Mine is suppose to be here within a week! 😀

[@DirtnTrail]

Interested to hear your reviews 👍

[@warmouth2]

Have the rally with nitron R1 installed. Having a heck of a time adjusting preload. Too tight in there. Curious if you guys have the same problem with the 300l and how you've overcome it. Too nice a piece of kit to go after it with a screwdriver and a hammer.

[@DirtnTrail]

Contact Nitron for an adjustment tool

[@TimStJohn-xp8rv]

So if I tighten the shock to lower the seat it won't hurt a thing? I would like it to sit just a bit lower!

[@DirtnTrail]

Lowering link is your friend if you want to lower it, or buy an adjustable shock. Won't hurt it but also won't change it much either!

[@ASF22R]

Hello, the fronty forks do not see necessary to replace the springs?

[@DirtnTrail]

Not sure what you mean?

[@ASF22R]

@@DirtnTrail Sorry, I use the translator. I wonder if it is advisable to change the springs of the front bars

[@akuskus]

What's a cartridge kit?

[@DirtnTrail]

Put simply, the internals of the forks that make it perform its task effectively. Plenty of vids on it such as this one 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6usY3x7o9hmjbs

[@shengsagun260]

can it bw fitted on crf 300 rally?

[@DirtnTrail]

It could be, we believe the rally shock might be slightly longer (we're talking mm's) so would check with supplier👍

[@mutterteresa637]

I buy me the Honda crf300l before 4 Month, it's a beautiful bike, but what I not like the bike is a little bit to heavy with 150 kilogram in my opinion. Number two is, the bike could have more power for 300cm3...I miss this. I change the exhaust pipe too, because the original pipe is a disaster of sound and design and it's heavy too. Next bike will be a two stroke.

[@MrDavidfuchser]

Those adreani fork cartridges are terrible. Compression valve body installed backwards on every unit causes high speed damping harshness. Had to modify mine on my svarty 401. Google adreani fork cartridge mt07 for more examples. Its not just me.

[@DirtnTrail]

Thanks for the feedback👍

[@valentinursu1747]

Thanks for the info but based in the eyes and difficulty speaking, are doing this clip drunk/high or hungover?

[@ProudWhiteBoy]

Upgrades my ass for almost 6000 I shouldn't have to upgrade anything

[@dexterm7466]

Bruh what’s with all the lips smacking’ or whatever the hell your doin to make that creepy sound with your mouth

[@Jayswensonjr]

Yeah, great video, but the lip smacking needs to be edited out. Hard to listen to

[@TheZakkmylde]

Bahahahha 🤦🏻‍♂️